Chembarambakkam Lake

Chembarambakkam Lake is a freshwater reservoir in Chennai, made up of a wide shallow basin surrounded by low hills and bordered by earthen embankments. The water surface changes through the year depending on monsoon rains, and parts of the shore are lined with reeds and shrubs.

The lake was built during the reign of Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century and was known then as Puliyur Kottam. Over the centuries the basin was expanded and reinforced several times to meet the water needs of growing settlements in the area.

On the southern shore sits an old shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, visited by worshippers from the surrounding region. Many locals come here on festival days to pray and perform rituals by the water, showing the long religious tradition in this area.

Access to the shore is possible at some points, but the ground can become muddy after rains and the terrain is uneven. It is wise to come early in the morning or late afternoon when the heat is less intense and birds are more active.

The Adyar River begins at this water body and flows through Chennai to the Bay of Bengal. Sediment buildup has reduced the storage capacity of the lake noticeably over the decades, affecting its role as a drinking water source.